propylene

noun

pro·​pyl·​ene ˈprō-pə-ˌlēn How to pronounce propylene (audio)
: a flammable gaseous hydrocarbon C3H6 obtained by cracking petroleum hydrocarbons and used chiefly in organic synthesis

Examples of propylene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The entire chain is catalyzed until polyethylene is fully converted to propylene, and polypropylene is converted to a mixture of propylene and isobutylene. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 21 Sep. 2024 That means propylene derived from polyethylene, and both propylene and isobutylene derived from polypropylene. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 21 Sep. 2024 Polyolefins are produced by combining small chain links, or monomers, of ethylene or propylene, which are typically obtained from oil and natural gas. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2024 There are different variations of pyrolysis, and steam crackers produce a range of ethylene and propylene yields. Lisa Song, ProPublica, 20 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for propylene 

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of propylene was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near propylene

Cite this Entry

“Propylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propylene. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

propylene

noun
pro·​pyl·​ene ˈprō-pə-ˌlēn How to pronounce propylene (audio)
: a flammable gaseous hydrocarbon C3H6 obtained by cracking petroleum hydrocarbons and used chiefly in organic synthesis

called also propene

More from Merriam-Webster on propylene

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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